Lock switch coil



May 19, 1942.

LOCK SWITCH COIL Filed Sept. 28, 1959 H. L. HARTZELL ETAL 3 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTORA ATTORNEW- May 19, 1942.

H. L.- HARTZELL. ETAL LOCK SWITCRCOIL Filed Sept. 28, 1939 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEY/ lNvENTORd/ H. L. HARTZELL arm. 2, ,732

May 19, 1942.

LOCK SWITCH COIL Filed Sept. 28, 1939 s' Sheets-Sheet s INVENTOM Herman L. Harlzel/ W 17:]

Patented May 19, 1942 y UNITED STATES. PATENT OFFICE LOCK SWITCH COIL Herman L. Hartzell and Dalphin L. Hittle, Anderson, Ind., assignors toGeneral Motors Corporation, Detroit, Mich, a corporation of Delaware Application September 28, 1939, Serial No. 296,905

14 Claims.

This invention relates to lock switch ignition oil assemblies for automobile ignition equipment and is particularly directed to those constructions wherein a lock switch provides a terminal cover member that is adapted to be united in more or less permanently secured relation to the housing of an ignition coil, and thereby protectively enclose electrical connections between an electric switch and the windings of the ignition coil. A typical example of such construction is disclosed in the copending applications of L. 0. Parker, Serial No. 34,556 filed August 3, 1935, and Serial No. 291,831 filed August 25, 1939. These applications disclose what is known to the trade as an extension lock switch coil comprising two unitary sub-assemblies, one of the coil units providing windings within a container and a terminal exterior to the container and to be connected with a current source, and the other a key operated switch combined with a wire leading from the switch and enclosed by a flexible metal tube or armor attached to a cover member to be attached tothe coil container for enclosing the terminal. The means for connecting the terminal cover with the coil container are such as to discourage, if not absolutely prevent, theft of the automobile while permitting replacement of the ignition coil by those who are authorized to perform such duties.

In our copending application Serial No. 296,906

filed September 28, 1939, we disclose a new model of extension lock switch coil having the protective features of the models disclosed in the Parker applications referred to. The terminal cover (part of the extension lock switch coil) of our application is smaller in diameter than the terminal cover to be combined with the coil of the Parker application. Obviously the extension lock switch of the Parker application would not fit directly upon the coil unit of our application referred to. Likewise the extension lock switch of our copending application would not fit directly upon the coil model of the Hartzell application.

It is desirable to replace earlier model coils, such as those disclosed in the Parker applications with the new coil models disclosed in our application Serial No. 296,906 while permitting the car owner to use his original model extension lock switch, so that he is not required to purchase the newer model extension lock switch in order to have the advantage of using a newer model ignition coil.

Therefore it is an object of the present invention to provide not only for connecting the newer model coil with the newer model extension lock switch but also for connecting the newer model coil with-the older models of extension lock switches so that several existing models of extension lock switch coils may be serviced with the new model coil.

More specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a series of auxiliary coupling members any one of which can be directly fitted to the coupling member of the newer model coil (which coupling member fits with the terminal cover member of the newer model extension lock switch), said coupling members being adapted to receive one or more of the terminal cover members of the older model extension lock switches.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings wherein a preferred embodi-- in section illustrating an old model extension lock switch coil such as disclosed in the Hartzell applications referred to.

Fig. 2 is a similar view illustrating a newer form of extension lock switch coil such as disclosed in our copending application referred to.

Fig. 3 is a similar view illustrating an older model of extension lock switch combined with the new model ignition coil.

Fig. 4 is a plan View of the coil and its terminal cover substantially as indicated by the arrow 4 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a plan view of a coil and its terminal cover substantially as indicated by the arrow 5 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary view in longitudinal section substantially as indicated by the line and arrows 6-6 of Fig. 4.

Fig. '7 is a perspective view showing the ignition coil of Fig. 2 and its terminal cover in separated relation.

Fig. 8 is a transverse sectional view substantially as indicated by the line and arrows 8-8 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 9 is a sectional view similar to Fig. 6 and illustrating the relation of parts substantially as indicated by the line and arrows 99 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 10 is a transverse sectional View substantially as indicated by the line and arrows Ill-I0 of Fi 9.

Fig. 11 is a transverse sectional view substantially as indicated by the line and arrows l|| l of Fig. 9.

Figs. 12 and 13 are bottom and top perspective views, respectively, of the auxiliary coupling or adapter means for effecting the union of an ignition coil and a terminal cover as shown in Fi 9.

Fig. 14 is a top plan of a different model of terminal cover united with an auxiliary coupling (differing from the coupling of Fig. 13) adapted to be attached to the coil of Fig. 2.

Fig. 15 is a top perspective view of the coupling or adapter for effecting the union illustrated in Fig. 14.

Fig. 16 is a longitudinal sectional view of a coil and terminal cover union substantially as indicated by the line and arrows I 6-4 of Fig. 14, and

Fig. 17 is a top perspective view with parts broken away illustrating the use of the adapter of Fi 15 for coupling the ignition coil of Fig. 2 with a type of terminal cover differing from the terminal covers of Figs. 9 and 14.

With particular reference to the drawings l0 indicates an ignition lock mounted on an instrument panel l2 or the like, and controllable by a key 14. Extending from the lock switch is a flexible armor l6 enclosing an electric lead l8 ending with a terminal clip 20 adapted for connection with a circuit terminal mounted on an ignition coil such as coils 22 and 24. In this particular type of ignition lock coil construction the lock device and ignition coil are mounted in spaced relation such as to stretch the armor l6 so taut as to prevent appreciable flexing thereof. Contributing to this end the flexible armor l6 passes through a bulk head, or perhaps a bracket, 28 where a grommet 28 closely embracing the armor is retained in an aperture and effects nonrattling of the armor.

Rigidly and nondemountably connected to the armor Hi there is a terminal cover member 30, 32, 34 or 36 as the case may be, that is adapted to be secured to a coil housing in such manner as to make separation thereof as difiicult as to discourage ordinary thievery. The terminal covers are each provided with a hub 38 that is rigidly and permanently united with the end of the armor [6 as by crimping, staking, spot welding and the like, so. that when the respective terminal cover is finally coupled with the housing of the ignition coil, the parts will be in relatively nonseparable relation and will protectively enclose the electrical connection to the coil terminal. The terminal cover 30 which fits directly with the older model coil 22 of Fig. 1, is of cup like form and of a dimension to telescopically engage an extension of the housing about the coil 22, in a manner similar to engagement with the adapter or auxiliary coupler 18 illustrated in Fig. 9. The terminal cover 30 has a depending wall 40 spun over at 42 to enclose and retain a lock ring 44 providing a pair of bayonet lugs 46 as Well as a lock element 48. The case extension (corresponding to part 18 of Fig. 9) which cooperates with cover 40 has recesses and apertures adapted to receive the elements 46. and 48 in rigid retaining relation. This form of interlock is described and claimed in the copending application of H. L. Hartzell Serial No. 34,556 filed August 3, 1935, issued as patent No. 2,173,- 612 September 19, 1939. The adaptation of the new model coil 24 of Fig. 2 to this older model terminal cover 30 of Fig. 1 will be described later.

The terminal cover 32 for fitting directly with the newer model coil 24 of Fig. 2 comprises a cup member of cylindrical form having a substantially straight wall 50, the edge of which is provided with a plurality of inward and radially extending tongues or lugs 52 as illustrated in Figs. 6 and '7. The lugs 52 are adapted to cooperate with a lock plate 54 permanently secured about a circuit terminal 56 mounted in insulated relation upon the end member 58 of the coil 24. The lock plate 54 is notched in several places at 60 to receive the lugs 52 of the terminal cover and is provided with offset portions 62 to provide, in conjunction with coil end member 58, bayonet ways for reception of the lugs 52. Each offset portion 62 includes a depressed portion 64 for more closely engaging a tongue 52, and includes a continuing portion 66 to provide a stop at one end of the bayonet way against which the tongue 52 is arrested when the relative rotation between the cover 32 and the lock plate 54 is completed. The direction of rotating the terminal cover for this locking engagement is illustrated by the arrow 68 in Fig. 7.

From Figs. 6, 7 and 8 it will be observed that, when the terminal cover 5%] is placed over the terminal 56 so that the tongues 52 and notches 60 are interengaged and then rotated as indicated by the arrow 68, the lock unit and coil subassembly will then be coupled in such relation that they cannot easily be uncoupled except by reverse movement. When this coupled extension lock switch coil combination is mounted as shown in Fig. 2, the cable [6 is drawn so taut that the member 32 cannot be uncoupled from the coil 24 until after the coil 24 has been detached from its mounting. With that terminal cover and coil so united and mounted as suggested by Figs. 2 and 4, then the electrical connection effected by the lead I8, clip 25 and terminal 56 and an appropriate clamping nut will be enclosed within an armored covering which will be proof against tampering until either the coil 24 or the lock unit is dismounted from its support.

To adapt the older model extension lock switch including terminal cover 40 (Fig. l) to the newer model coil 24 (Fig. 2) to provide the combination shown in Fig. 3 for service purposes, we provide the adapter means shown in Figs. 9 to 13.

Referring particularly to Figs. 12 and 13, the adapter or coupling means includes a tube 10 that has a plurality of radially inwardly extending tongues 12 corresponding to the number and location of the tongues 52 provided by the terminal cover 32. The opposite end of the tube 10 has mutilated flange portions 14 (Fig. 12) intervening between each two of which is an axially extending tongue 16.. The tube 15 is adapted to engage the lock plate 54 of the coil 24 in such relation that the tongues 12 travel in the bayonet ways provided by the offset portions 62 until they are moved beneath the defiected portion 64 and engage the stops 66.

The coil end member 58 carries a second cir cuit terminal which is spaced from the circuit terminal 56 and is adapted for receiving a lead communicating with the ignition distributor. A cup like adapter portion 18 has a relatively flat bottom wall 82 that has an aperture 84 eccentrically disposed and provided with a plurality of notches 86 adapted to receive the axially extending tongues 16 of the cylindrical portion 10. After assembling the tube 18 with the lock; plate 54, the adapter I8 is passed over the upper end of the tube I so that the tongues I6 are received by the notches 86 of the cup aperture; and the tongues I6 are bent over against the inside of the cup bottom wall as shown at 88 (Fig. 13). The bottom wall 82 of the cup is thereby rigidly supported against the multilated flange portions I4 of the tube I0 with respect to which the cup I8 is held in relatively nonrotatable and non-separable relation by the clinched tongues 88. The bottom wall and a portion of the cylindrical wall of thecup like member I6 is deformed by striking inwardly as at 90 to provide a recess 92 "adapted to extend over and be free of engagement with the circuit terminal 80. When the tube I0 and the terminal cover receiving adapter I8 are united as described, the assembly of adapter parts will prevent removal of the tube I0 from the lock plate 54, since the extent of the recess 92 is insufficient to allow enough relative rotation between the parts to permit disengagement of the tongues I2 of tube 70 from the bayonet ways of the lock plate 54.

Referring to Figs. 11, 12 and 13, the cylindrical portion of adapter member I8 provides a cutout 94 for passage of the lead I8 and a part of ferrule 38 therethrough, and also has bayonet slots 96 adapted to receive the bayonet tongues 46 of the terminal cover 30. Other provisions of the adapter I8 include a lock recess 98 that is so aligned as to receive the lock element 48 of the terminal cover 30 when the locking engagement of the bayonet union is efiected. The lock recess 98 consists of an aperture which provides a shoulder portion I80 adapted to engage the end of the lock element 48. This recess aperture sufficiently weakens the cylindrical wall of the adapter I8 to provide a resilient portion I02 which aids in coupling and uncoupling the adapter and cover 30. The springy portion I02 is provided with an inwardly. extending and axially arranged groove I 84 adapted to receive the lock element 48 of cover 30 when the parts are being coupled by initial telescopic movement.

The coupling of the cover 30 to the adapter I8 is effected, after the complete adapter assembly is afiixed to the coil end member 58 and after the lead I8 is secured to the terminal post 56, by passing the terminal cover 30 over the exposed cylindrical portion of the cup member I8 so that the bayonet tongues 46 of cover 30 engage within the open ends of the bayonet slots 96 of adapter I8 and so that the lock element 48 of cover 30 is aligned with the groove I04 of adapter 78. The cover 30 is then pushed on in a linear direction as far as it will go; and it is then given a partial turn, relative to the adapter 18. That rotation causes the lock element 48 to slide over the springy portion I02 of the cylin drical wall of the cup, while the bayonet tongues 46 engage beneath the overhanging portions provided by the bayonet slots 96. When this relative rotation of the parts has been completed the lock element 48 will have been received by the recess 98 where it engages the shoulder I00 thereby preventing reverse relative rotation for separation of the units except by a service man possessed of full knowledge of the construction of the coupling mechanism and equipped with a tool which can be inserted between the cover 30 and adapter I8 so as to pry the resilient part I02 of adapter I8 out of the path of rotary movement of the lock element 48 of cover 30.

The terminal covers 34 and 36 (Figs. 14 and 17,

respectively) are somewhat alike in that both comprise frusto-conical plates each of which is rigidly secured centrally to a ferrule 38 where a rigid connection is made to the flexible armor I6. In older model extension lock switches, using the terminal covers 34 and 36, they are of somewhat larger dimension than terminal covers of later models and also greater in diameter than the diameter of the later model coils. They were developed to fit against the end of a cylindrical member, such as an extension of a coil casing providing a terminal chamber, where theywere retained in rigid relation by deforming portions of the cylindrical member. The peripheral portion I 06 of cover 34 carries a plurality of notches I08. The peripheral portion I I0 of cover 36 provides axially extending tongues H2.

The adapter I I4 which will receive either cover 34 or cover 36 will now be described with respect to Figs. 14 to 17. The adapter II4 includes a cylindrical wall, II6 deformed to provide the outwardly extending longitudinal rib-s that provide the recesses II8 which receive the tongues II2 of cover 36. Wall H6 is provided with tongues I20 that have flange portions I22 flush with the edge I24 of the wall H6 and have parts I26 extending from flanges I22.

In assembling the terminal cover 34 with the adapter II4, cover 34 is adjusted so that its notches I68 register with the tongue portions I26 and rest against the top side of the flanges I22 and the edge I24 of the cup member. Then the tongues I26 are clinched over against the outside surface of the terminal member 34 as indicated at I28.

In assembling cover 36 with the adapter II 4, as shown in Fig. 17, the axially extending tongues II2 of the terminal cover 36 are received within the tongue recesses III! of the adapter H4, and the tongues I26 are bent over against the outside surface of the terminal cover 36 as indicated at The adapter II4 can be made of heavy gauge stock so as to make difficult the prying of the tongue portions I28 or I30 away from covers 34 or 36. Thus the older model extension lock switch units having covers such as 34 or 36 can be relatively permanently attached to the adapter II4 which cannot be removed from the coil 24 unless these covers first be removed. Since the removal of these covers is relatively difiicult, the usual cases of attempted thievery by tampering with the ignition system have been thwarted.

However the union of the new model coil with various older models of extension lock switches is such that, by means of proper tools the use of which requires a substantial period of time, a service man can replace the defective coil of an older model of extension lock switch coil assembly with the newer model coil, as well as service the newer model extension lock switch coil assembly with the newer model coil. Instead of being required to stock all of the older model igni-v tion coil units to service the various older model extension lock switch coil assemblies, the service garage is now required to carry a stock of only one model coil and a stock of relatively inexpensive adapter parts such as tubes I0, adapters I8, and adapters II4.

While the embodiments of the present invention as herein disclosed, constitute preferred forms, it is to be understood that other forms might be adopted, all coming Within the scope of the claims which follow.

What is claimed is as follows:

1. In an extension lock switch coil installation for automotive vehicles, in which a relatively large diameter armor cap having lock provisions is to be securely united to a coil housing of an intermediate diameter. adapted for secured coupling with an armor cap of small diameter, the combination comprising, an adapter having a portion. including provisions for self locking engagement with the large diameter armor cap, an extension from the bottom of said portion having provisions for secured coupling with the coil housing of intermediate diameter, means for mounting the coil, cap and adapter in that relation that separation thereof is practicall impossible until the coil is removed from its support.

2. In an extension lock switch coil, in which a lead armor has a terminal cap of relatively large diameter and provides a locking member adapted for selflocking engagement with an ignition coil housing for enclosing a terminal post provided by the coil, and in which the terminal cap and ignition coil are of different perimetric dimensions, the combination comprising an adapter for securely uniting the cap and coil including a large diameter cup having cutouts and slots in its rim adapted for self locking'engagement with the large diameter terminal cap, said cup having an eccentrically disposed opening in its bottom wall, and a small diameter ring secured in said opening and extending away from the bottom thereof to provide atubular extension, said adapter and coil comprising means including a part of said tubular extension adapted to unite the tubular extension and small diameter coil in relatively non-separable relation.

3. In an extension lock switch coil, in which a lead armor has a terminal cap of relatively large diameter and provides a locking member adapted for self locking engagement with an ignition coil housing for enclosing a terminal post provided by the coil, and in which the terminal cap and ignition coil are of different perimetric dimensions, the combination with said cap of an adapter for securely uniting the cap and coil comprising, a'large diameter cup for secured engagement with a terminal cap, means including deformable provisions of the adapter for relatively permanent connections between the cup and terminal cap, said cup having an eccentricaily disposed opening in the bottom wall, and a tubular extension therefrom adapted for relatively permanent and nonseparable relation with the coil.

l. In anextension lock switch and ignition coil assembly in which a lock switch unit has a terminal cover with a self actuated lock element, and in which an ignition coil casing includes a pair of circuit terminals at one end thereof, and provides a lock plate having bayonet Ways surrounding one of the terminals, and in which the lock switch and coil casing are relatively non-unitable, the combination of an adapter for securing the terminal cover and coil casing in relatively non-separable relation when the assembly is mounted on a vehicle, said adapter including a ring portion having tongues adapted to engage the bayonet ways of the coil casing, and a second portion joined thereto providing a shoulder adapted to receive the lock element of the terminal cover, said coil casing, terminal cover and adapter thereby securely enclosingone of said coil terminals against tampering and yet permitting access to the other coil terminal, and means inaccessible while the lock unit and coil are so secured for rigidly uniting the ringportion and the said second portion of the adapter.

5. A sub-assembly unit adapted to be united with an extension switch device having an ar mor enclosing a, flexible lead to provide a coil and switch assembly, said unit comprising in combination, a coil housing having an end member, a pair of circuit terminals insulatingly supported by said end member, a lock plate providing bayonet ways secured to the end member and surrounding one of the circuit terminals, a ring providing enclosing walls of a terminal chamber, and having retainer portions received in the ways of said lock plate, a shallow cup adapted to unite the ring with parts of a lock switch, said ring having deformable provisions rigidly securing the ring to the cup, said ring and cup when so secured preventing removal of the ring from the housing end member.

6. In a lock switch ignition coil for automotive use, the combination with a coil having a cylindrical housing of one diameter, and a lock switch having a terminal cover of a different diameter, of means for coupling the terminal cover and coil housing and comprising in combination, an adapter for securely uniting the ignition coil and lock switch and including a tubular portion having tongues cooperating with slots and ledges provided by the coil housing, a second tubular portion rigidly united to the first mentioned tubular portion and having a recess and shoulder adapted to receive lock provisions afforded by the terminal cover, said tubular portion and said second portion, when so united with the terminal cover, thereby preventing removal of the tubular portion from the slots and ledges of the coil housing.

'7. In a lock switch ignition coil for automotive use, the combination with a coil having a cylindrical housing of one diameter, and a lock switch having a terminal cover of a different diameter, of means for coupling the terminal cover and coil housing into a unitary enclosure, comprising in combination, an adapter havin a portion of a diameter to be received in secured relation by the coil housing, a second portion adapted to be relatively permanently united with the terminal cover, and means inaccessible while the coil and terminal cover are secured to the adapter for securely uniting the tubular portion with the said second portion thereof.

8. In a lock switch coil ignition system, the

combination of means for coupling an ignition coil casing with a terminal cover provided by a lock unit and for securing. enclosed electrical connections against unauthorized disturbance, said means including a tubular portion adapted to be coupled with the coil casing by bayonet and slot provisions, a cup-like portion adapted to be securely united with a lock switch part, means for securing the tubular portion and the cuplike portion against relative rotation therebetween, said tubular and cup-like portions when so secured preventing separation of the bayonet and slot coupling of the tubular portion from the coil casing.

9. The combination set forth in claim 8 wherein a spring lock is provided for securin the cover and coupling means against unauthorized separation.

10. The combination set forth in claim 8 wherein themeans unitingthecup-like portion with the terminal cover comprise deformable provisions adapted to be clinched against the outside of a terminal cover, said coupling means being one of several different means which will tion providing tongues removably received by the lock plate, and having a second portion providing tongues clinched against the outside of the terminal cover.

12. An extension lock switch and ignition coil assembly adapted for mounting in spaced but non-separable relation on an automotive vehicle, comprising in combination, a lock switch unit including a terminal cover at the remote end of a flexible armor, and which cover is adapted for permanent union with a specific type of ignition coil, an ignition coil casing of a dissimilar type including a pair of circuit terminals at one end thereof, and providing a lock plate with bayonet ways surrounding one of the terminals, means for securely uniting the cover and casing of dissimilar types, including an inter-posed member having tongues receivable by the bayonet ways of the lock plate and adapted to be rotated relative to the casing for seating the tongues in re-- taining relation, said interposed member having a part rigidly secured thereto and adapted to be permanently united with the terminal cover, and

when so united preventing separation of the interposed member from the coil casing, the, other of said circuit terminals being disposed outside of the terminal cover for access at all times.

13. In an installation of extension lock switch and ignition coil of dissimilar types, and Where an ignition coil casing includes a pair of circuit terminals at one end thereof, and provides a lock plate with bayonet ways surrounding one of the terminals, the combination of means for securely uniting the cover and casing of dissimilar types, including a cylindrical part having tongues adapted to interengage with the bayonet ways of the lock plate and rotatable relative thereto for secured enclosure about said one of the terminals, a cuplike member rigidly joined to the cylindrical part and having a bay clearing the other of the circuit terminals and limiting the reverse rotation of the cylindrical part to an amount less than that required for separation of the cylindrical member from the casing, said cuplike member having provisions for relatively permanent coupling with the terminal cover whereby access to the connecting means of the cylinder and cup is prevented.

14. Ina switch coil unit, the combination comprising a coil housing, a terminal support attached to the housing to provide an end wall for a terminal chamber, a closure member for the terminal chamber, adapter means supported by the end wall providing a chamber about the circuit terminal and adapted to be: secured to the closure member, said means adapted to be separably united with a lock switch part having an electric lead, and means including a cup and releasable provisions for securing the chamber providing means to the closure member in relatively permanent relation.

' HERMAN L. HARTZELL.

DALPHIN L. HI'ITLE. 

